February can be a tough month to get through. Between the nonstop cold and the rare glimpses of the sun (and our current pandemic, of course), it’s a recipe for blah. And I don’t know about you, but lately I’ve been looking everywhere for sources of inspo to keep me going each day. Because while WFH certainly has its benefits, after nearly a year in quarantine, you start to get tired of the same old same old. To refresh your routine, I’m sharing my top five essentials for productivity that have honestly saved me the last few weeks. Sometimes all you need is a little change up to feel rejuvenated again!

1. Lighting 2. Essential Oils 3. Music 4. Water 5. Timer

NO. 1 LIGHTING

You know I love a good layered lighting look, and when it comes to your workspace, it’s just as important. In order to feel that perfect blend of focus and calm, you need to layer it up so it’s not too harsh or too soft on your eyes. Because while a task lamp is a must for visibility at your desk, to make the entire space feel well-balanced, it takes a combo of lamps, sconces, natural light, and overhead lighting. And if you’ve ever worked in an office with only fluorescent lighting, you know exactly why that’s a no-go.

NO. 2 ESSENTIAL OILS

Scent is such a strong trigger for us all (anyone else think of their childhood when cookies are baking?), so it’s a must to include it in your work routine. Light a candle, diffuse some essential oils - whatever your preference, setting the mood will help you relax and get in the right mindset to get your to-do list knocked out of the park. And don’t be afraid to change it up, either, depending on your mood. Need a little zen? Go for lavender or chamomile. Ready to get up and moving? Try a citrus or peppermint. You can totally customize it to your liking!

NO. 3 MUSIC

As much as I enjoy podcasts, sometimes they’re better for long drives or walks (at least for me). When I’m working, I usually need something to get me energized without distracting me - something that can sort of fade into the background without me having to focus on it at all. Lately, Adele has been my go-to and I just love her blend of upbeat and emotional ballads - perfect work jams, for sure!

NO. 4 WATER

They say an apple keeps the doctor away, but staying hydrated is just as important! I can always tell if I haven’t had enough water, and the difference in my productivity is huge. So, what’s the best way to get those H2O ounces in? For me, it’s all about either having an oh-so-stylish glass at hand, or a water bottle that tracks how much I’ve had. I keep it on my desk all day as a reminder to hydrate - when it’s right in front of you, it’s much harder to ignore!

NO. 5 TIMER

Working 9-5 doesn’t matter much if you’re only using half or less of that allotted time productively, am I right?! These days, I swear by the Toggle timer. It helps me keep track of everything I do throughout the day, and at the end of the week I run a full report to see where my time went. I can easily adjust my schedule to improve efficiency. And while we all have those weeks where we look back and realize we spent way too much time on Instagram, knowing the exact times for each activity makes it feel more manageable and actionable. Total win for creating balance in your WFH life!

Do you find WFH life challenging? Or is it the perfect fit for your natural productivity? Are there tools you swear by or are you looking for ways to switch up your daily routine? There are so many amazing apps, recommendations, and more out there, and while today’s list is only a sample, I’m forever hunting for new and interesting ways to manage my days. Share away in the comments if you have any must haves you swear by!